Brazilian Grilled Chicken with Fresh Chimichurri
Juicy chicken thighs marinated in citrus and garlic, grilled to perfection and served with vibrant herb sauce. This brazilian-inspired grilling ready in about 60 minutes pairs Boneless skinless chicken thighs, Olive oil, minced Garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 3, minced Garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1/2 cup, finely chopped Fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped Fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp Red wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add chicken thighs and massage to coat evenly, then marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: For chimichurri, whisk together 1/2 cup chopped parsley, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/2 tsp salt until emulsified.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F/190°C). Place chicken on grill over direct heat and cook for 6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and edges are golden.
- Step 4: Rest chicken for 5 minutes, then slice and serve with chimichurri spooned over top, ensuring herbs are evenly distributed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Brazilian Grilled Chicken with Fresh Chimichurri take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (45 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Brazilian Grilled Chicken with Fresh Chimichurri?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Brazilian Grilled Chicken with Fresh Chimichurri?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Brazilian Grilled Chicken with Fresh Chimichurri for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Brazilian Grilled Chicken with Fresh Chimichurri?
Brazilian grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★★
Perfect grilling recipe for a weeknight dinner.